This Sunday, October 16, motorcycle aficionados from across the island will ride out to support the campaign for breast cancer awareness.
This ride which is being called "Bikers for Boobs" has been organized by the Positive Foundation and the Elektralytes Foundation in collaboration with UTS and Hard Rock Cafe as a part of the annual breast cancer awareness initiative started by the former entity some 13 years ago.
"Every year we try and add something different to the schedule so that the events remain interesting and so that as the various segments of our community are impacted. We want to educate everyone about breast health, because this illness still remains one of the most prevalent cancers amongst women," Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation explained.
This year Elektra thought it was a great idea to work together with the Caribbean Eagles Foundation and reach out to the biker community on the island. Foundation president Jane Therond welcomed this initiative and the plan for "Bikers for Boobs" took hold.
The bikers will start at the Caribbean Eagles Club House which is right across from Prime Distributors in Colebay travel through Airport Boulevard, Low lands, Marigot, Grandcase, through French Quarter to the Dutch side and end at Hard Rock Cafe on the Boardwalk, in Philipsburg, where there will be an official "Bikers for Boobs" after party. Along the way bikers will stop at various locations for photo ops. |
While the ride is scheduled to begin at 4pm and last until 6pm, participants are encouraged to show up early in order to line up and also to take advantage of the shirts which will be distributed. Local radio personality Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt, who is the president of the Elektralytes Foundation explained that are only a limited number of shirts available and said that these would be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The 400 t-shirts were donated by UTS and Hard Rock Cafe also sponsored some 200 bandanas which will also be shared out prior to ride time.
"Of course we really want everyone to be decked out in pink as we ride across the island, because this will create a visual reminder to those we pass to think about and check their breasts and this is very important. We cannot stress enough how important early detection is. The sooner women know what is going on with them, the sooner they can begin to do something about it and higher their chances of beating the illness," Alphonso said.
Alphonso said that everyone interested in being a part of the cause should turn up ready to ride and this included individuals on bikes, but also those riding scooters or quads.
"What’s important is not what you’re riding, but what you’re riding for. This motorcade is all about raising community awareness for our cause. We want to save women, as many women as we can and so we need a huge turnout to help us do this. The more visible we are, the more women are reminded to check themselves or have themselves checked by a healthcare provider," Alphonso said.
People who ride, but may not own their own motorcycle, scooter or quad are asked to check the various rental companies for best rates and still come out and be a part of this worthy event. People are urged to wear pink just in case they are not early enough to receive one of the complementary t-shirts.
"On Sunday we will ride for the women in our community. For those who are battling this caner and also for those who have lost the battle. We encourage people from all across the island to come and ride with us," Alphonso said.
All organizers are reminding riders to come out with their helmets and ride responsibly so that the event goes off without a hitch.